Importance of Optical Coherence Tomography and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in the Imaging and Differentiation of Choroidal Melanoma: A Review

Abstract

Choroidal melanoma requires reliable and precise clinical examination and diagnosis to differentiate it from benign choroidal nevi. To achieve accurate diagnosis, as well as monitoring the progression of disease, various imaging modalities are used, including non-invasive optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). This review begins with a historical account of the development of OCT and OCTA and the methods of generation of images. This outlines the understanding of what OCT/OCTA images show, as well as how image artifacts arise. The anatomy and imaging of specific vascular layers of the eye are introduced. Then, anatomical aspects of choroidal melanoma, its diagnosis and differentiation from metastasis, and choroidal nevi are presented. The purpose of this review is to critically evaluate application of OCT and OCTA in the diagnosis of choroidal melanoma.

The Potential of a Small Melanocytic Lesion to Transform into Choroidal Melanoma: A Retrospective Study and Literature Review

“…Moreover, a synthesis of features discerned via multimodal imaging has been recognized as prognostic of SMCL progression to CM. [3,5,6] The seminal research conducted by Augsburger et al [7] was at the forefront of exploring risk factors in these lesions. Their analysis revealed that certain characteristics, notably a base size exceeding 5 mm, a height greater than 1.5 mm, juxtapapillary location, symptomatology, presence of orange pigment, and subretinal uid, were signi cantly correlated with an augmented risk of lesion growth.…”

From the past to the present, optical coherence tomography in glaucoma: a practical guide to a common disease

“…OCT is a similar method to that of ultrasound, but it uses light instead of sound, and produces images of a higher magnitude (it can deliver images of 1–15 μm contrary to traditional ultrasound techniques which have significantly lesser spatial resolution). 32 – 34 …”

“…OCT is a similar method to that of ultrasound, but it uses light instead of sound, and produces images of a higher magnitude (it can deliver images of 1-15 μm contrary to traditional ultrasound techniques which have significantly lesser spatial resolution). [32][33][34] OCT imaging is an important non-invasive technology in the detection and monitoring of glaucomatous structural damage. Over the years, OCT techniques have evolved from time-domain OCT (TD-OCT) to spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) and swept-source OCT (SS-OCT), which have improved the resolution and speed of scans.…”

Choroidal Melanoma: A Mini Review

“…Furthermore, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA) have been used recently to capture superficial and deep retinal and choroidal structures non-invasively, providing more accurate details of the lesion [ 31 ]. Melanomas on OCT reveal serous retinal detachment, normal retinal thickness, debris on back of retina, and intact photoreceptors [ 1 ].…”